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Monaco to Venice Golf Cruise – May 2018

Monaco/France/Italy/Malta Cruise
“Cruise with Golf Tour – 6 to 9 game Option”

15 to 30 May 2018 (15 Nights)

from US$5,480 pp (+ A$1,800 to A$2,700 pp golf supplement) + US$300 on board credit

Golf Tour Now Fully Sold - Wait List only

Trendsetter Travel & Cruise Centre welcomes your joining us on this delightful cruise aboard the much favoured 382 passenger Silver Whisper, offering a wonderful opportunity to experience beautiful ports and play at selected highly regarded local golf courses, many of which rate as the leading courses in France and Italy. To participate in the golf group, you choose a minimum of 6 games at any of the 9 courses we have on offer. Of course, you have the option to play on all of our 9 golf days. Silver Whisper is the perfect size for enjoying smaller ports, waking each morning in a new location, save for one very chilled out day at sea.

The itinerary is relaxed, offering particularly long port days to maximise your pleasure ashore. May is a perfect time to visit this region – the summer crowds will not yet have arrived but temperatures will remain pleasantly warm whether for golfing, sight seeing or relaxing deck-side.

All staterooms are particulary large with the lead in Vista Suite at 27 sqm and the private balcony suites being from 32 sqm ( including balcony area). All suites offer a separate bath and shower. Importantly, our golf is priced at approximate costs of A$300 / round – around 40% of the cost golf is usually priced at by cruise ships and our international golf cruise competitors.

Trendsetter has negotiated a special US$ price which is at 12% to 14% discount on the equivalent A$ advertised fare. The lead in price for a Vista Suite now approximates A$930 per day per couple – great value for an inclusive cruise ship of this quality.

This Silversea cruise includes:

  • Unlimited, all day, beverages in-suite and throughout the ship
  • In-suite dining and 24 hour room service
  • Gratuities
  • Butler service
  • Transportation pier to town and return
  • Open seating for meals
  • Separate bath and shower
  • Free internet (1 hour/day)
  • Minimum cabin size of 27 sqm

Your tour hosts Adrienne Witteman and David Cooper, Directors of Trendsetter Travel & Cruise Centre, are both enthusiastic golfers, and longstanding members of two prestigious golf clubs. They have golfed and cruised extensively throughout the world.

They invite you to join them on this fantastic cruise, stopping at great ports, with long port days combined with the chance to play 9 golf games, all at a wonderful selection of golf courses and all chosen as the best within reasonable driving distance of each port.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Tuesday 15 May 2018 – depart Monaco 7.00 am (following morning)

This afternoon board Silver Whisper in Monaco to commence your cruise through the Mediterranean and on to Venice.

In 1297, the Grimaldi Family seized this once fortified town and apart from a short time under Napoleon, has ruled this Principality ever since. The Principality of Monaco, at less than 500 acres, is smaller than New York’s Central Park and is home to many of the rich and famous, attracted in part by the absence of income tax. Monaco’s wealth is generated through tourism and its famous casinos, with the premier drawcard being the annual Monte Carlo Grand Prix.

Trendsetter has some great pre-cruise hotel package deals to offer in and around Monaco which you may wish to combine with some tours of the various local mountain towns such as St Paul de Vence.

Day 2 – Wednesday 16 May 2018 – Antibes – France (Golf) – in port from 10 am – 11 pm

We berth this morning in the historic port town of Antibes, claimed to be the largest yacht harbour in Europe. Given our late evening departure, there should be free time following golf to explore the historic old town of Antibes.

Golf: Today we play Royal Mougins, generally regarded as the best of the many excellent courses on the French Riviera. Cart golf is compulsory and thus complimentary to our tour party.

Day 3 – Thursday 17 May 2018 – Portofino - Italy (Golf) – in port from 8 am to mid-night

Portofino is an Italian fishing village and holiday resort famous for its picturesque harbour and celebrity visitor status. The town comprises a cluster of colourfully painted buildings that line the shore and dot steeply escalating hillsides around the deep harbour. With our long port day, there should be ample time to combine golf and explore the town of Portofino with its many shops.

Golf: Circolo Golf e Tennis Rapallo, a picturesque 30 minute drive along the coast to the Rapallo golf complex. The front nine of the course passes by the ancient bell tower of the Monastery of Vall Christi.

Day 4 – Friday 18 May 2018 – Livorno – Italy (Golf)- in port 8 am (stay 2 days)

Livorno is the port for Florence. Florence is a circa 90 minute drive from Livorno.

Golf: Today, for those not planning to visit Florence or one of the many outlying towns in Tuscany, we travel and play Circolo Golf Ugolino, the oldest golf course in Italy and arguably the most stunning having been built on a ridge in the Chianti region of Tuscany.

Day 5 – Saturday 19 May 2018 – Livorno – Italy – depart port at 7 pm (no golf)

Today we have a rest from golf and take advantage of the many touring options through Tuscany. This may be an ideal opportunity to look to apply your US$300 on-board to one of the many ship’s tours offered by Silversea out of Livorno.

Day 6 – Sunday 20 May 2018 – Corsica (Porto-Vecchio) - France (Golf) – in port from 8 am to mid-night

We arrive early morning in Porto-Vecchio, located on the south eastern corner of Corsica. We are lucky as Porto Vecchio is within driving distance of Corsica’s only 18 hole golf course, the Robert Trent Jones (Snr) designed Golf de Sperone. Built on the picturesque peninsula with arguably offers as good a run of ocean holes as Pebble Beach and Cypress Point. This is a not to be missed golf course.

Day 7 – Monday 21 May 2018 – Sardinia (Olbia) – Italy (Golf) – in port from 7 am to 8 pm

We berth in the port town of Olbia. With a population of around 60,000, Olbia is a lively little seaport, forms part of the north eastern coast line of Sardinia and is located near the famous tourist area referred to as the Costa Smeralda.

Golf: This morning we take a 40 minute drive north to play Pevero Golf Club, one of the top 2 ranked golf clubs in Sardinia. It lies on the Costa Smeralda and was commissioned by the Aga Khan and built by Robert Trent Jones (Snr) in the 1970s. The setting for the golf course is magical with construction on a rocky ridge like peninsula with stunning views of the Mediterranean and the distant mountains. Following golf, upon our return to Olbia, there should be time to independently explore this attractive seaport of Olbia.

Day 8 – Tuesday 22 May 2018 – Rome (Civitavecchia) – Italy (Golf) – in port from 7 am to 7 pm

We berth in Civitavecchia, the port of Rome, located an approximate 1 hour drive from the centre of Rome.

Golf: This morning we drive 60 km to play the # 1 rated course in the greater Rome area – Golf Nazionale. Formerly known as Golf Club Le Querce, it was established around 1900 and redesigned by Fazio in 1990. The course has hosted the World Cup and a number of Italian Opens. Ranked in the top 5 of all Italian golf courses.

Day 9 – Wednesday 23 May 2018 – Sorrento – Italy – in port from 8 am to 6 pm (no golf)

Today is a rest day from golf as there are no acceptable standard Italian golf courses within a reasonable drive of Sorrento. However, compensation of a day without golf is that there is so much to see on the Amalfi Coast whether this be to take a drive around this coastal peninsula, visit the historic ruins of Pompeii or take a launch trip to the nearby Isle of Capri. We should have a good close hand view of the Isle of Capri as we sail into Sorrento in the morning. Another good day to consider use of your US$300 on-board credit.

Day 10 – Thursday 24 May 2018 – Palermo – Italy (Golf) – in port from 8 am to 7 pm

After sailing overnight from the Italian mainland, we arrive this morning at the ancient city of Palermo. With a population of over 600,000, Palermo is the capital of Sicily. Famously, General Patton established his base in Palermo after his successful land based campaign from the south through the centre of Sicily in August 1943.

Golf: After a most scenic drive through the centre of Sicily with its mountainous interior, we arrive after 90 minutes at the highly rated Verdura Golf Resort, a complex of 2 x 18 golf courses. Opened in 2009, the designer was Kyle Phillips (of Kingsbarns fame). Whether we play Verdura East or West, both are ranked the two best courses in Sicily. The course design takes advantage of 2 km of private coast line. This is another golf game not to be missed.

Day 11 – Friday 25 May 2018 – Taormina – Sicily (Golf) – in port from 8 am to 10 pm

A long and well timed port day greets us at Taormina. Rated the # 1 tourist destination in Sicily, this historic medieval town hugs the cliffs and offers wonderful views of the Mediterranean plus inland to the active volcano of Mt Etna. Post golf there will be ample time to explore Taormina and experience its charms.

Golf: this morning we travel 40 minutes to Il Picciolo Golf Club, ranked in the top 5 of Sicily’s golf courses. Built in 1989 on the north eastern approaches to Mount Etna, this parkland layout with significant elevation changes, offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside, including of course Mount Etna.

Day 12 – Saturday 26 May 2018 - Valetta - Malta (Golf) – in port from 9 am to 10 pm

Over breakfast we will have a magnificent view as we sail into Malta’s Grand Harbour. With a long port stay in Valetta, the capital of Malta, we have time to both golf on Malta’s only 18 hole course and also to explore the historic old town of Valletta. Valletta can only be explored on foot. Walking the cobbled streets allows you to observe the many historic buildings and museums protected by massive fortifications of honey-colour limestone.

Golf: After a few hours of exploring Valletta, we depart for the Royal Malta Golf Club, a less than 15 minute drive from Valletta. One of only 66 golf clubs world wide which carry the Name “Royal”, the club was established in 1888 and remains one of the oldest clubs in the world. Handed over by the British Army to the Maltese in 1971, it has since been modernised and has the reputation of being splendidly maintained. A new club house has been recently built with the latest of facilities and should offer us a wonderful view of Malta as we assemble post round in the club rooms. We are of course fortunate to be accorded our golf times given we are in Malta on a Saturday and are playing on a private course.

Day 13 – Sunday 27 May 2018 – at sea

Experience a rest day at sea today as we sail around the bottom of Italy and up through the Adriatic Sea.

Day 14 – Monday 28 May 2018 – Dubrovnik – Croatia - in port 8 am to 2 pm (no golf)

We arrive early morning in Dubrovnik and have a morning to explore this historic walled city whether by ship’s tour or to just wander yourself around the historic town.

Day 15 – Tuesday 29 May 2018 – Venice – Italy - in port from 1 pm (no golf)

We sail into Venice during the middle of the day and can disembark from 2 pm to wonder independently around this fascinating historic city built around so many canals.

Day 16 – Wednesday 30 May 2018 – Venice – Italy – disembark from 8 am

After an over-night in Venice, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before a final farewell to new friends and old before disembarkation.

The Finer Details...

As part of the golf group (regardless whether a golfer or non golf partner), ALL Trendsetter clients will receive host services by Adrienne Witteman and David Cooper and a US$300/cabin on-board credit. For bookings on this cruise PAID IN FULL by 31 August 2017, Silversea offers a 10% discount. Nett of all discounts, the cruise cost pp twin share is as follows (with single suite prices available on request):

 

 May 2018 – 15 Night Monte Carlo to Venice Golf Cruise
Vista Suite – Large Picture Window No Balcony (27 sqm)           (Deck 4) Verandah Suite – Private Balcony (32 sqm includes balcony)      (V1) Verandah Suite Private Balcony (32 sqm – includes balcony)     (V4) Silver Suites                    (65 sqm) (Deck  7)
Cruise Fare (US$ pp) US$5,480 US$7,010 US$7,550 US$14,570
Golf Package with 9 games (A$ pp) $2,700 $2,700 $2,700 $2,700
Total Cruise Fare with 9 game Golf Package (A$ pp) at A$/ US$ of 0.78 A$9,725 A$11,700 A$12,400 A$21,400
  • Above prices assume current 10% discount with prepayment up until 31 August 2017. Otherwise, 25% deposit payable within 7 days of booking – balance payable by 120 days from departure. Until deposit is paid, all the above cruise fares are subject to change by Silversea.
  • Cancellation of booking outside 120 days from departure requires an A$250 admin fee – cancellation penalties apply inside 120 days. Refer Silversea’s normal booking conditions. Travel insurance is recommended
  • The above golf package prices are for  9 golf round options – although you could elect to choose less golf games subject to you playing a minimum of 6 of the scheduled games. Final election of golf games is required prior to 120 days from cruise departure. Full payment of the golf package is required no later then 120 days prior to departure.

The provision of a golf option is priced at A$300 pp per round and covers return transportation between the ship and golf courses, green fees, prize money and drinks after golf. It does NOT include golf club hire and/or motorised carts (unless mandatory to use (2 courses))/electric buggies. Trendsetter has booked the courses as specified but cannot be held responsible for any cancellation/s necessitated by a change to the ship’s itinerary due to weather or any other event, or late amendment by the golf course. If such an event occurs and, in the unlikely event, Trendsetter cannot organise an alternative golf course, Trendsetter will pass through any refund available. When on tour, where a tour participant chooses not to play a particular golf course, we will make a refund less any non-refundable amount. We can organise unaccompanied specialised transport of golf clubs to Monte Carlo/from Venice or indeed any other world city.

Please contact Trendsetter Travel & Cruise Centre for further information

Tel. 02 9428 5900 (Northwood/Longueville office)
Email david@trendsettertravel.com.au

Policies of Monaco to Venice Golf Cruise – May 2018

Golf cruises offer golfers an interesting way to travel, enjoy your passion for the game and remain fit while partaking in the gourmet delights most luxury cruise ships offer.  For those looking at the options available for you and your fellow keen golfers, here are some pro tips to help you find a cruise that meets all your needs. Finally, your ship has come in!  

Check the itinerary

Check the itinerary before you book, to ensure it is a realistic schedule. Seek a cruise that features long and plentiful shore days at ports with good golf courses.  You will probably appreciate the occasional sea day to rest up and relax.  

Go all-inclusive to save

High-profile US tour companies typically price their golf at US$500 (A$650) plus per person per round in addition to the cost of the cruise. Trendsetter Travel and Cruise Centre specialises in small all-inclusive luxury ships, and recommends this for the best experience.  Playing the same courses as its more expensive pier group, the golf package component of a Trendsetter cruise less than half the price of its international competitors.  

Ship size does matter

Be wary of cruises for more than 1,300 passengers.  Large ships will give priority to their own tours when it comes to disembarking, preventing independently organised golfers from exiting the ship quickly.  Delays can mean missing tee-off times.  Even if you can overcome a late arrival, the delay can cause disappointment when you must abandon the course early to return to your cruise shipboat. David Cooper, the director of Trendsetter Travel, recommends selecting a cruise ship with between 100 and 900 passengers. “These smaller ships can also get to the smaller ports, such as St. Tropez, St. Malo, Menorca, Portofino, which all have great golf courses.”  

Make sure you get enough time at port

Most golf excursions take at least eight hours—including return transportation to the course, an un-pressured golf game and importantly time post golf at the club for refreshments and prize giving. To make the most of your day, aim for a minimum of ten hours in port. Your group will need to arrive at the course an hour prior to tee-off, and allow for a round of four balls to be completed (plan on four and ½ hours hours).  

Healthy competition and fair play

Select a golf cruise where the organisers incorporate adjustments up and down for players’ handicaps, after each round.  This means that the prize money is spread around over the tour. David Cooper advises to ask about this when you are booking.  “We run a handicap adjustment system after each round to establish a par stableford score for the day,” he says. “After eight games, the better performers may see their handicaps reduce perhaps two shots and the ‘battlers’ might earn four or five shots back.” Every tour golfer wants at least one collect.  

Swing your partner ‘round

Cooper advises, “Where our golf tour participants book as a couple, they will always play as a couple unless they request otherwise.”  If you are booking as a single or wish to enhance the challenge by playing outside of your group, find an organiser who is mindful of matching players’ handicaps, so that you can get the most out of the cruise.  

Beware the fake golf cruise

You may discover cruises advertised as a golf tour but, on closer inspection, find they only offer golfing pre and post cruise.  Check for this, as it might not be what you have in mind. Trendsetter golf cruises schedule a minimum of six games on cruise shore days.  David Cooper mentions, “We even create opportunities where a golf enthusiast can play additional optional rounds, and others can have a more limited golf programme depending on what they are looking for with equitable downward price adjustments.”   To learn more about the great golf cruises that Trendsetter Travel and Cruise Centre have available, please contact David on (02) 9428 5900 or on david@trendsettertravel.com.au